Hi, thanks for opening Handpicked! I’m so happy you’re here. Also the links are still red because it’s easier on my eyeballs than pink. If no one hates it, the red stays!
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been running on a nearby trail during Lucy’s soccer practices. It’s terrible! I’m so slow! But the long-lit evenings and all these pretty semi-wild flowers on my route have made it much more pleasant.
today’s bouquet
Have you ever seen such a gorgeous, rainbowy octopus? She is “one of the only females in the animal world that is more colorful, more iridescent, more shimmery than her male counterpart.” You go girl! (via )
Stripey art, which should certainly be an official art genre.
Famous artworks recreated using emoji! Talk about mixed media, haha.
Sustainable and beautiful: a jenga-style block set made from beach trash.
Not afraid to admit that my millennial heart swooned when I saw this grown-up Laura Ashley-esque ensemble.
Oh my gosh, how pretty is this painted porcelain purse strap!!!
Wouldn’t this smiley face nightlight be a fun gift for a kid?
Just ordered Charlie a pack of these as his chore reward and I am certain I will live to regret it.
My cousin’s wedding had these really pretty footed vases on all the tables. I’ve been looking for an affordable and non-breakable one — this distressed gold one is so elegant.
Over the weekend, my marathon-running Aunt Sheila was wearing these cute Lululemon high tops she said she’s very happy with. I’ve been unhappy with my Adidas Ultra Boosts (my feet slip around in them), so I just ordered a pair of the Lululemon ones in green while they’re on sale.
After reading this glowing review of a secret recipe that was hiding in plain sight, throwing these in my Target order was a no-brainer.
Trader Joe’s recipe for easy homemade lemon ice cream using cottage cheese. What!
This morning Mick and I are headed to Target to catch a glimpse of Gwyneth Paltrow IRL! She’s here promoting good. clean. goop. Ahem, she started her lifestyle empire with… a newsletter!
“The secret to life is to waste time in ways that you like.”
— Jerry Seinfeld
mom stuff
Still time to get her a gift. (Cheat code: a nap and a gourmet treat)
Do you have a proper photo of her?
Makes me cry my eyes out: Brandi Carlile’s The Mother.
The Frida Mom ad showing a postpartum mom that was banned from the Oscars.
A poem from one of the worst days of my life. Also, more beliefs about my Mother.
Thanks to Adri for rounding up the perfect book for each type of mom.
An interview with my mom!
last thing
Most popular link last week: the oven cleaning assistant
Readers today: 1,638
Grateful for you.
ahh! So did you see Gwyneth??
A friend’s kids were doing a bake sale last year and had some delicious chocolate cookies with white chips. I asked my friend if she minded sharing the recipe and she said “You know that episode of Friends where Monica is trying to figure out Phoebe’s dead grandmother’s cookie recipe? Yeah, it’s from the package of Nestle white chocolate chips.” I guess those in-house bakers know their stuff!